Mueller Matrix Polarimetry by Means of Azimuthally Polarized Beams and Adapted Commercial Polarimeter

Abstract

A simple method for Mueller matrix polarimetry is proposed. The experimental set up is based on using an azimuthally polarized input beam, which presents all possible linearly polarized states across its transverse section, and an adapted commercial light polarimeter for analyzing the polarization state of the output beam. It will be shown that by measuring the Stokes parameters at only three different positions across the output beam section, the complete Mueller matrix of linear deterministic samples can be easily determined.